home
radioThese are reader comments for the article 'The Anselm - White And Blue'
Reader Comments
Posted by David in Shanghai @ 02:04 on Apr 21 2009
As a regular reader of “Cross Rhythms”, I am deeply disappointed with the quality of this analysis. I feel that the review does not interrogate the album with any of the sophistication it requires: no mention of what the title “White and Blue” might mean; no understanding of the scriptural backing of each of the songs; no consideration of its perspective of Christ. You are correct when you say that the Anselm’s music is not to everyone’s taste, but isn’t that true of every album ever recorded? One of the central points of the review is the following paragraph: “Though the word "just" is usually avoided like the plague by songwriters somehow the boys make it work...some people who pray out loud in groups seem to love using "just" in most of the sentences of their prayer, and it's probably church folk who will get the most out of 'White And Blue'.” I don’t mean to be rude, but this point is slightly strange and illogical. Are you saying that songwriters don’t like to use the word “just”? What then would you say to Bob Dylan (“Just like a woman”), Radiohead (“Just”), or Tim Hughes (“Just one thought of You)? Also, I don’t quite understand your logic. You seem to suggest that because “Church people” use the word “just” significantly more than non-church goers, they will, by definition, like this album more than non-church goers?! I don’t quite follow. Beyond this, the saddest part is that you have failed to apply the necessary “litmus-test” when reviewing any Christian Album: did the songs make you stand at the Cross in wonder? Did any of the songs give you a fresh perspective of the work of Christ? If they did, tell us about it. If not, why not?
As a regular reader of “Cross Rhythms”, I am deeply disappointed with the quality of this analysis. I feel that the review does not interrogate the album with any of the sophistication it requires: no mention of what the title “White and Blue” might mean; no understanding of the scriptural backing of each of the songs; no consideration of its perspective of Christ. You are correct when you say that the Anselm’s music is not to everyone’s taste, but isn’t that true of every album ever recorded? One of the central points of the review is the following paragraph: “Though the word "just" is usually avoided like the plague by songwriters somehow the boys make it work...some people who pray out loud in groups seem to love using "just" in most of the sentences of their prayer, and it's probably church folk who will get the most out of 'White And Blue'.” I don’t mean to be rude, but this point is slightly strange and illogical. Are you saying that songwriters don’t like to use the word “just”? What then would you say to Bob Dylan (“Just like a woman”), Radiohead (“Just”), or Tim Hughes (“Just one thought of You)? Also, I don’t quite understand your logic. You seem to suggest that because “Church people” use the word “just” significantly more than non-church goers, they will, by definition, like this album more than non-church goers?! I don’t quite follow. Beyond this, the saddest part is that you have failed to apply the necessary “litmus-test” when reviewing any Christian Album: did the songs make you stand at the Cross in wonder? Did any of the songs give you a fresh perspective of the work of Christ? If they did, tell us about it. If not, why not?
The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.
All of that aside, what is most disappointing is that you have not engaged with the album in any meaningful way. As a fan of the band for the last few years, and as someone who has heard much of their latest music live, I was hoping to read reviews of songs like “Bruised” and “Sorrow for Sin”. I had been really looking forward to hearing about the new album; sadly this review hasn't addressed what the band are really about. Thank You.